Two existing pottery kilns, the only physical remnants of the former thriving potteries in the area, and now listed as Historic Monuments, were a significant driver in the design.

Extensive consultations were held with the local community, the Local History Society, Historic Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.

The two main buildings follow the sinuous double curve which is a feature of this part of the promenade, with the two lower blocks extending to the rear to define a south facing sheltered space with landscaped gardens and a public landscaped space enclosing and giving prominence to the kilns. The footpaths on Harbour Road and Pipe Lane are extended to connect to the Kilns to ensure level access permeability is available from the Kilns to the promenade. The promenade is also locally widened and ground floor terraces formed.

Sustainability

The lower buildings have sedum green roofs to assist water attenuation and improve visual amenity.

New open views of the historic kilns are created from the beachfront promenade and the sea. All flats also benefit from fantastic open views of the Firth of Forth to the front and of the Salisbury Crags to the rear.

Lightweight steel frame is used to reduce the loads on piled foundations in this sensitive archaeological location and enabled speed of construction.